Senegal unveils 2026 world cup squad with Mané and Koulibaly

Senegal’s national team coach has announced an ambitious 28-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring standout names like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. Despite Koulibaly’s injury, the squad is poised to make a strong impression on the global stage.

Head coach Pape Thiaw expressed confidence in the team’s potential, emphasizing their determination to achieve great heights at the upcoming tournament. The squad blends experienced stars with emerging talent, setting the stage for an exciting campaign.

The Lions of Teranga will face a challenging group stage, pitting them against France, Norway, and Iraq. Their opening match on June 16 against the French side promises high stakes, especially given their historic victory over France in the 2002 World Cup opener.

Building a balanced and competitive squad

The coach described the selection as a thoughtfully balanced group, designed to meet the demands of a physically and mentally grueling competition. Among the young talents called up are Lamine Camara (Monaco), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahima Mbaye (PSG), and Bamba Dieng, who impressed with a strong finish to the season at Lorient.

Squad breakdown by positions

Goalkeepers (3): Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahly), Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)

Defenders (9): Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Krépin Diatta (Monaco), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC)

Midfielders (6): Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)

Forwards (10): Sadio Mané (Al Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), Chérif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz), Ibrahima Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Assane Diao (Como)

The team’s blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars reflects a clear strategy to compete at the highest level. With a historic rematch against France on the horizon and strong opponents in Norway and Iraq, the Lions of Teranga are ready to chase glory in North America.